How to spend Christmas in London

Our guide to spending a spectacularly luxe Christmas in London – with all the trimmings. By Tricia Welsh

Christmas in London is a magical experience steeped in tradition and festive cheer. Picture grand Christmas trees sparkling in historic squares, carol singers echoing through cobbled streets and cosy pubs serving hearty traditional winter dinners. But could joining an exclusive three-day house party in one of the world’s most prestigious hotels in the heart of London be the ultimate way to spend a traditional English Christmas – blending royal heritage with warm, personal hospitality?

The good folk at The Goring, the discreet Belgravia hotel that the Middletons booked out for their family and friends on the eve of daughter Kate’s wedding to Prince William, certainly seem to think so. Within sight of Buckingham Palace garden walls, the hotel was also favoured by the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother as their private retreat where they could repair for a quiet gin and Dubonnet. Guests arrive on 23 or 24 December for a series of festive meals, cocktails and carol services, with 60 per cent of guests returning year after year.

“By the second day, everyone gets to know each other,” says the hotel’s managing director, Michael Voigt. The 69-room property is London’s last remaining family-owned and operated luxury hotel – known for its impeccable manners. Yet, Jeremy Goring, CEO and fourth-generation owner of the hotel, insists guests should feel free to come down for breakfast in their PJs. Voigt explains: “It’s a proper house party. There is nothing more to do except eat, drink and go to church – either to St Paul’s Cathedral or Westminster Abbey.” The Goring holds a handful of tickets for such services. “The 11pm midnight service in Westminster Abbey is wonderful,” says Voigt.

The hotel also invites a small group of accomplished choristers to sing carols by the fire. Christmas festivities begin each year at The Goring with the turning on of the Christmas tree lights by family pet Teddy the Shetland (pony), who treads on a hidden light switch while walking a red carpet. “Last year, Jeremy was dressed as Ebenezer Scrooge,” laughs Voigt. The hotel even has a fancy dress chest for dress-ups for younger guests.

The Christmas program revolves around drinks in The Goring Cocktail Bar and Lounge. Designed by Russell Sage, the space is rich in character with Gainsborough silk curtains, a roaring fire, grand piano and signature drinks such as the Garden Negroni and Thank You, Your Majesty, created for the late Queen’s coronation. Meals are served in the hotel’s elegant, light-filled (and Michelin-starred) Dining Room. Note the beautiful hand-made Fromental wallpaper with playful monkeys and a unicorn embellished by the Princess of Wales. Menus include royal favourites such as Orkney scallops, roast Norfolk farm turkey, aged beef Wellington, partridge, Dover sole, The Goring native lobster omelette and eggs Drumkilbo with native lobster, once served on the royal yacht Britannia. The Goring Christmas pudding with candied orange and brandy cream ends the feast on a regal note.

At Claridge’s in Mayfair, Christmas begins with the unveiling of its iconic tree, reimagined each year by a fashion designer. This year it’s Burberry’s chief creative officer, Daniel Lee. Some 600 bows in Burberry fabric will decorate the traditional 4.9m tree, which will also be decked with hanging bells and chesspieces and topped with a gold crown. Christmas lunch or dinner here is a glittering affair in the elegant Foyer & Reading Room, featuring dishes such as roast Norfolk turkey, foie gras terrine, smoked salmon and the hotel’s famed Christmas pudding. With chandeliers, festive garlands and impeccable service, it’s a timeless celebration of British tradition and culinary excellence. A favourite of royalty and locals alike, reservations are essential.

The Dorchester Collection’s 45 Park Lane recently unveiled its annual ‘Artist’s Tree’, which this year was designed by British sculptor Ian Turnock. Guests at the hotel over the Yuletide can choose to have their accommodations dressed with a full-size Christmas tree plus adornments such as stockings, and enjoy a magnificent festive menu at Wolfgang Puck’s CUT restaurant featuring Norfolk Bronze turkey – with all the trimmings.

Christmas High Tea at The Ritz London is a magical celebration of festive tradition and elegance. Served in the twinkling Palm Court with live carols from The Ritz choir, it features turkey and cranberry finger sandwiches, mince pies, spiced fruitcake, gingerbread, and warm scones with fine teas. A special Ritz Christmas cracker adds cheer. Offered from late November, it’s one of London’s most luxurious and joyful holiday experiences. (Ritz Christmas puddings are available through the concierge.)

Christmas Morning and Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason is a festive celebration in the elegant Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. Guests enjoy sweet or savoury menus with traditional treats like finger sandwiches, buttery scones, seasonal cakes and mince pies. Fortnum’s famed oeufs Drumkilbo and over 100 teas, including Royal Blend, feature prominently. With multiple sittings daily and more than 600 teas served on busy days, this ritual becomes a glittering showcase of British holiday tradition.

For a quintessential Christmas tipple, visit the charming Duke’s Bar in St. James’s, where legendary bartender Alessandro Palazzi serves his famed Christmas Pudding Martini. Made with Sacred’s limited-edition Christmas Pudding gin, it’s shaken with cold brew coffee, Nocello, cane sugar and bitters, then finished with Cognac, cream, chocolate powder and a pair of raisins – just like a festive dessert in a glass.